INFLUENCE OF AI-BASED PERSONALIZED LEARNING SYSTEMS ON STUDENTS' LEARNING ENGAGEMENT AND INTEREST IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence in education has sparked global interest in AI-based personalized learning systems, yet empirical evidence from developing African contexts remains limited. This study examined the influence of AI-based personalized learning systems on students' learning engagement and interest in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria. It was guided by three research questions, which sought the extent to which AI-based personalized learning systems influence students' learning engagement and interest as well as to identify the challenges students face when using AI-based personalized learning systems in secondary schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample of 360 students selected from twelve secondary schools across the three senatorial zones of Enugu State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations. The findings revealed that AI-based personalized learning systems influence students' learning engagement to a high extent, enhancing attention, active participation, and study of difficult topics. Similarly, these systems influence students' learning interest to a high extent, sparking curiosity, making challenging subjects enjoyable, and fostering deeper interest in studies. However, students face significant challenges including poor internet connectivity, frequent power outages, inadequate devices, high data costs, and limited technical support. The study concludes that while AI-based personalized learning systems positively enhance engagement and interest, infrastructural and technical barriers hinder their full potential. Recommendations include government investment in technological infrastructure, establishment of technical support systems in schools, and development of AI platforms with offline capabilities optimized for low-bandwidth environments.